5 Best 55-Inch Smart TVs (2023 Guide)

In This Guide: SAMSUNG 55-Inch Crystal 4K UHD TV | LG 55-Inch C2 Series TV | LG 55-Inch OLED G2 Series TV | SAMSUNG 55-Inch Neo QLED TV | TCL 55-Inch Roku Smart TV | Buyer’s Guide | How To Use Your 55-Inch Smart TV | FAQs

If you’re looking for a high-quality TV that can fit in any room, our team is here to help. Our pick for a premium viewing experience at home at a fraction of the weight, cost, and size is a 55-inch screen. We have reviewed the best 55-inch TVs on today’s market to help simplify and guide your TV buying experience.

Here are our top recommendations.

Top 5 55-Inch Smart TVs

• Best Features: SAMSUNG 55-Inch Crystal 4K UHD TV
• Best Speaker Compatibility: LG 55-Inch C2 Series OLED TV
• Best Picture: LG 55-Inch OLED G2 Series TV
• Best OLED Alternative: SAMSUNG 55-Inch Neo QLED TV
• Most User-Friendly: TCL 55-Inch Roku Smart TV

Best Features

Pros and Cons

✔ Comes with a compact, easy-to-use remote control
✔ Uses a crystal processor to provide a high-quality 4K picture
✔ Equipped with a high dynamic range that clearly displays a variety of colors

✘ Doesn’t have an LED or LCD backlight to increase the screen’s brightness
✘ Has a fairly low refresh rate of 60 hertz (Hz)

What Customers Are Saying

The majority of customers said that this TV was well-priced, especially as far as SAMSUNG TVs go. Users also found the menu system to be responsive and easy to navigate. However, some buyers didn’t like the layout of the remote control, and others wished that the TV came with more HDMI inputs.

Best Speaker Compatibility

Pros and Cons

✔ Compatible with several Apple devices, including AirPlay and HomeKit
✔ Has an operating system that gives you access to your favorite streaming platforms
✔ Comes with a voice- and motion-activated remote

✘ Can only connect to two speakers at a time using Bluetooth
✘ Doesn’t come with an HDMI cable

What Customers Are Saying

Satisfied customers praised this LG C2 Series TV for its rich, true tones and snappy, variable refresh rate. While some users weren’t happy with the performance of the TV’s built-in speakers, they said that bundling it with a soundbar and subwoofer package turned their living room into a complete home theater. Though most users appreciated how dark the black tones of the display were, others thought they were too dark.

Best Picture

Pros and Cons

✔ Has a native refresh rate of 120 Hz
✔ Includes Dolby Vision IQ that adjusts the TV’s picture settings based on your environment’s lighting
✔ Built with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant capabilities

✘ May not have the same longevity as QLED models
✘ Has a price on the high end for 55-inch smart TVs

What Customers Are Saying

Customers highlighted this TV’s crisp, clear image in their positive reviews. Multiple viewers were also impressed with the speed of the TV’s processor. Alternatively, some customers wished that the TV came with its own stand, as they didn’t want to mount it. One user also mentioned that the picture couldn’t keep up with the action without fast Wi-Fi.

Best OLED Alternative

Pros and Cons

✔ Comes with a standard remote control as well as SAMSUNG Smart Control
✔ Can purchase SAMSUNG Q-Symphony soundbars for an enhanced audio experience
✔ Includes Amazon Alexa to help you change channels, open apps, and more

✘ Comes with more ports than most people need
✘ Only has one central leg stand to support the screen

What Customers Are Saying

Happy customers continuously mentioned this TV’s stunning picture quality. Some of these same users also appreciated the quality of the built-in sound, stating that they didn’t need a separate soundbar. In negative reviews, a few users weren’t satisfied with this TV’s local dimming function.

Most User-Friendly

Pros and Cons

✔ Supports voice search through its free Roku mobile app
✔ Includes four HDMI ports
✔ Comes with an easy-to-use remote control

✘ Has a refresh rate of 60 Hz, which is slower than other top-rated models
✘ Doesn’t have an Enhanced Audio Return Channel (eARC) HDMI 2.1 port, which is required for advanced video game systems, such as the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X

What Customers Are Saying

The majority of customers who reviewed this TCL TV said that its Roku system was easy to navigate. Although this 4K TV didn’t produce an image that was comparable to OLED or QLED TVs, users said that it was still decent for the price. However, some customers started to experience glitches with the user interface after using the TV for several weeks.

Buying Guide for 55-Inch Smart TVs

Each 55-inch TV has certain specs that impact its performance and user experience. Below, we discuss some of these features to help you determine the right model for you.

Resolution

A TV’s resolution is measured by the number of individual pixels it produces, with more pixels creating a sharper image. Two resolution measurements you’ll frequently see in the product descriptions for 55-inch smart TVs are 1080p and 4K.

Built-In Technology

Smart TVs get their name because they have built-in technology. For example, many have an operating system, such as Google TV or Android TV. This software helps you navigate Netflix, HBO Max, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, and other apps without using an Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV Stick, Nvidia Shield TV, or another streaming accessory. You may also find built-in voice assistants, such as Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, that offer hands-free control.

One final smart feature you may come across is casting. Casting allows you to push the content on your smartphone, laptop, or tablet to your TV screen—so long as the devices are connected to the same Wi-Fi network.

Connections

TVs often have HDMI, Ethernet, and USB ports on them in case you want to connect cable boxes, Blu-ray players, gaming systems, and other accessories. Make a list of what devices you want to connect to your TV before you purchase a model, as you want to ensure that it has the right connections in terms of both type and number.

Refresh Rate

The refresh rate refers to the number of times per second your TV’s image changes. This is measured in hertz (Hz), with most TVs having refresh rates between 60 and 120 Hz. The faster the refresh rate, the less motion blurring.

Screen Technology

A TV’s screen technology determines how crisp and clear its image is. The two main screen technologies that you see on the consumer market are LED and OLED panels. QLED, XLED, and ULED are other names for OLED.

True OLED TV screens outperform LED screens because each pixel lights itself, resulting in a brighter, sharper image. If you’re on a budget, though, LED is for you.

In terms of LED TVs, there are edge-lit and full-array models. The names are pretty self-explanatory; edge-lit LED TVs use lights along the sides of the screen, while full-array TVs use backlights.

Smaller TVs usually have LED screens, while larger ones have OLED screens. Since 55-inch TVs are right in the middle of the TV screen size spectrum, you’ll see both.

How To Use Your 55-Inch Smart TV

While a 55-inch TV is less of an investment than a 65-inch or 85-inch TV, you still need to take proper care of it to enjoy smooth, uninterrupted viewing for years to come. Here are some tips to help homeowners like you maximize their new TV.

Clean the Screen

Avoid cleaning your TV screen with eye lens sprays, as this can damage it. Instead, we recommend spraying a little water on a clean microfiber cloth.

Cover the Camera

If your 55-inch smart TV has a built-in webcam, cover it when you’re not actively using it. While convenient for facilitating video calls, this camera can present privacy concerns if it’s connected to the internet and pointed at you at all times.

Perform Software Updates

The built-in smart technology in your 55-inch TV requires regular updates to stay secure and bug-free. You can set these software updates to happen automatically if you’re not good about keeping on top of them.

Connect a Soundbar

If you want a loud, deep audio experience, consider purchasing an external soundbar. The manufacturers of many TVs make matching soundbars already to ensure compatibility.

Set a PIN Code

If you have children and want to limit their access to certain applications or functions, set a PIN. This code keeps them from watching certain TV shows and movies that you deem inappropriate.

Frequently Asked Questions About 55-Inch Smart TVs

Why is OLED better than LED?

OLED TVs are often seen as better than LED TVs because they’re lighter and thinner. They also offer better contrast and use less electricity. However, LED TVs make sense for buyers who are on a tight budget.

What is the best TV brand?

There are numerous reputable TV manufacturers, including:

• Hisense
• LG
• SAMSUNG
• Sony
• Vizio
• TCL

What is the lifespan of a 55-inch smart TV?

The average life expectancy of a 55-inch smart TV is around five years. However, you can double this number by taking care of your TV. To maintain your smart TV, turn off the screen when you’re not watching anything and dust the screen with a microfiber cloth at least once a week.

Should I use a TV stand or wall mount with my 55-inch smart TV?

It’s up to personal preference, as both a TV stand and a wall mount can give you your optimal viewing angle. Though a wall mount frees up floor space, it’s more difficult to set up.

How We Selected the Best 55-Inch Smart TVs

To provide our readers with the best recommendations possible, we rely on several key sources of information to help guide our selection process.

Initial Research: Our research process began by generating a list of smart TVs with a significant number of verified buyer reviews and an average customer review rating of 4–5 stars. We looked at positive and negative reviews alike, focusing on information from both satisfied and critical buyers. 

Expert Insights: Through our years of experience, we’ve learned that listening to what others have to say is key to building accurate, well-rounded articles. To complement our in-house expertise, our team looked at reviews and videos from trusted publications and independent testers, spoke with subject matter experts, and drew insights from reader contributions.

Final Product Selection: We then began fine-tuning our list by replacing older models with the latest versions and eliminating any discontinued models. From there, we pared the list down further by comparing each model’s feature set and selecting the best-in-class options for various buyers, budgets, and scenarios.

Why You Can Trust Us

This Old House has empowered homeowners and DIY-ers for more than four decades with top-notch home improvement advice in the form of television programs, print media, and digital content. 

Our team focuses on creating in-depth product and service review content. To date, we’ve published over 1,600 reviews on products in the home space, from doorbell cameras and backyard fencing to pool vacuums and snow blowers.

Once we conclude our research, we craft a comprehensive, user-friendly article of recommended products and additional information to help our readers make the right purchase.

Questions or Comments?

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